Effective Ways to Use Your Car AC in the Summer

Hanford summers are scorching, so having a functioning air conditioner is a must. Most of us get in the car and automatically turn on the AC. You might think the most effective way to use the air conditioner is to simply turn it on, but it turns out there are tips and tricks to help you get more out of your car AC in Hanford, CA.

How your car’s air conditioner works

Your car’s air conditioner uses a compressor and an evaporator coil to cool down outside air. A fan sucks the air in, while the compressor pressurizes the air and helps the coolant move freely in the coils. As the air passes over the evaporator coil, it is cooled and then sent into the cabin. This cycle repeats itself continuously until you turn the AC off.

Getting more out of your AC

There are some easy ways to improve your car’s air conditioning performance in Hanford, CA:

• Park in the shade: This is the easiest way to keep your car cooler, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool down the cabin. If you feel comfortable, keep your windows cracked open to allow a little circulation. Using a windshield shade can also lower the interior temperature by 20 degrees or more.
• Ventilate first: If your car is uncomfortably hot when you get in, open the windows before you turn on the AC. Letting out the stale, hot air will better prepare your car when you turn on the air conditioning. This is especially important if you’ve got a long ride ahead of you.
• Start low: Your air conditioner can’t go from off to Arctic immediately. Start the AC (both temperature and blower controls) on low, then turn it up after a few minutes. Many modern air conditioners do this automatically, so if you bought your car in the last few years, you won’t have to worry about accidentally overloading your AC.
• Remember to recirculate: Once your car is cool, turn on recirculation mode. Instead of sucking in hot air from outside, the air conditioner will recirculate the air in the interior, making it cool down faster.
• Turn off in the right order: Never shut your car off without turning off the air conditioner first. This can shock the engine and cause problems later on down the road. After you turn off the AC, let the fan continue running for a minute or two. This helps dry out the moisture in the unit, preventing bacterial growth and mold.
• Get regular maintenance: Finally, make sure that you keep up with your regular maintenance. The best way to get more out of your air conditioner is to have it inspected whenever you suspect there may be a problem, and during your regular tune-ups.

For help with car air conditioning system maintenance in Hanford, CA, bring your car to AAA Sandoval Transmissions or call ahead to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you stay cool during the hot summer months.

Categorised in: Auto Cooling Repair

This post was written by Writer